News for 'Foreign Affairs'

India Sets 10-Year Vision For Defence Diplomacy

India Sets 10-Year Vision For Defence Diplomacy

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'India is trying to project that it can engage with the world in a different way too.'

FCRA bill sent to JPC amid strong Oppn protests

FCRA bill sent to JPC amid strong Oppn protests

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha has referred the contentious Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a 31-member joint parliamentary committee for thorough scrutiny.

Modi meets Putin, urges him to end Ukraine war

Modi meets Putin, urges him to end Ukraine war

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to move from 'endless war to the end of war' in Ukraine, emphasising that a peaceful resolution is humanity's shared priority.

Bangladesh links Rahman's Delhi visit to Hasina extradition demand

Bangladesh links Rahman's Delhi visit to Hasina extradition demand

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bangladesh has requested India to create a "conducive environment" for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's potential visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, linking it to their demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. This comes amidst strained relations following Hasina's media interaction in New Delhi, which Bangladesh deemed offensive, and her subsequent death sentence in absentia for "crimes against humanity." India maintains that the extradition request is under examination and that it had no role in Hasina's media event.

Doval-Wang talks in Beijing ahead of possible Xi Jinping's India visit

Doval-Wang talks in Beijing ahead of possible Xi Jinping's India visit

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is in Beijing for the 25th round of Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. These crucial discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to India for the BRICS summit, offering a potential opportunity for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks aim to address the long-standing border dispute and recurring tensions, with both sides emphasising the importance of peace and tranquillity for bilateral relations amidst recent reports of aggressive Chinese posturing in Arunachal Pradesh.

India cited Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' for no presser

India cited Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' for no presser

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Indian government sources revealed that a 'cautious approach' was adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's June talks with then-US President Donald Trump due to concerns over Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' with foreign leaders, leading to a preference against a joint media interaction.

Putin Offers More Fertilisers To India

Putin Offers More Fertilisers To India

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Russia remains India's biggest fertiliser supplier, with imports rising nearly 40 per cent in 2025.

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Nepal-Tibet floods: Toll surges to 392; 1,500 missing amid fresh threat

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Nepal is grappling with one of its worst disasters in recent years as massive flash floods, triggered by an ice avalanche, have claimed 270 lives and left thousands missing across multiple districts, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.

US lawmaker flags India's FCRA bill, says could hit bilateral ties

US lawmaker flags India's FCRA bill, says could hit bilateral ties

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

A US Congressman has raised serious concerns regarding India's proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), warning that these changes could lead to government takeovers of religious charities and strain bilateral relations.

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Dinesh Trivedi's success or failure in this fragile diplomatic equilibrium will have consequences extending well beyond the Indian high commission in Dhaka. It will shape India's eastern strategic environment for years to come.

India sends 11 tonnes of relief, Bailey bridge, tunnel expertise to Nepal

India sends 11 tonnes of relief, Bailey bridge, tunnel expertise to Nepal

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

India has provided 68.5 tonnes of relief materials to flood-hit Nepal and sent technical teams, forensic experts and equipment to assist in search and rescue operations, the Indian embassy said.

India, China push LAC peace as Doval-Wang hold key talks

India, China push LAC peace as Doval-Wang hold key talks

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

India on Tuesday conveyed to China the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for overall bilateral ties as national security advisor Ajit Doval held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi focusing on delimitation of the frontier and sustaining work on trans-boundary cooperation.

'India And China Have Arrived At A Nash Equilibrium'

'India And China Have Arrived At A Nash Equilibrium'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

'The Chinese military cannot advance much in Ladakh, even if they want to.' 'Similarly, in Arunachal Pradesh, they can rename a village or two, intrude here or there, but cannot do much more realistically.'

India, China agree to use diplomatic, military channels 'to resolve' LAC issues

India, China agree to use diplomatic, military channels 'to resolve' LAC issues

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

India and China held diplomatic talks to review the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), discussing boundary delimitation, border management, and trans-border cooperation. Both nations stressed the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity for bilateral relations and agreed to continue using existing channels to resolve outstanding issues.

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), citing non-conformity with laid down norms, forcing him to cancel the US leg of his 'TelanganaRising' delegation tour and return to Hyderabad earlier than planned.

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'You have to get private investment to somewhere between 35% to 36% of GDP. It is hovering about 30%-31%.'

Nepal flood toll reaches 788; over 275 Indians, 128 PIOs missing

Nepal flood toll reaches 788; over 275 Indians, 128 PIOs missing

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The death toll from flash floods in central Nepal has surged to 734, with nearly 2,500 people still missing. India has intensified its rescue and relief efforts, sending additional aid, technical teams, and forensic experts, while also working to locate and rescue over 275 missing Indian nationals.

2 vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia

2 vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Two commercial vessels, an oil tanker and a cargo ship, carrying a total of 22 Indian nationals, were hijacked by armed pirates in separate incidents off Yemen and Somalia. All Indian crew members on both vessels are reported to be safe, according to the latest information from the shipping ministry and the External Affairs Ministry.

US hits over 80 targets in Iran after Hormuz attacks

US hits over 80 targets in Iran after Hormuz attacks

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The United States conducted retaliatory strikes against Iran, targeting over 80 sites, after accusing Tehran of attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran condemned the US decision to revoke a temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil sales.

Chinese FM Wang Yi to attend BRICS NSA meet in New Delhi from June 22 to 23

Chinese FM Wang Yi to attend BRICS NSA meet in New Delhi from June 22 to 23

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to attend the BRICS National Security Advisors meeting in New Delhi on June 22-23. The high-level gathering will address international security challenges, regional issues, and prepare for the upcoming BRICS Summit in India. Wang Yi is also expected to hold bilateral talks with India's NSA Ajit Doval, focusing on India-China border issues.

West Asia crisis: Putin assures India of steady energy, fertiliser supplies

West Asia crisis: Putin assures India of steady energy, fertiliser supplies

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Russia on Monday assured India of uninterrupted supply of energy and fertilisers amid disruption caused by the West Asia crisis, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and held talks with his key interlocutors.

'1,000 missiles locked and loaded': Trump's big warning to Iran

'1,000 missiles locked and loaded': Trump's big warning to Iran

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Donald Trump has issued a severe warning to Iran, threatening 'decimation' with '1,000 missiles' if the nation pursues alleged assassination plots against him, while Iranian officials accuse the US of violating a MoU amidst ongoing diplomatic talks.

5,300 apply for Ram temple trust CEO post, 18 shortlisted

5,300 apply for Ram temple trust CEO post, 18 shortlisted

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust has shortlisted 18 candidates for the Chief Executive Officer position from over 5,300 applicants. Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, with the CEO's role focusing on temple administration and management. The selection follows allegations of embezzlement of temple donations, which led to an SIT probe and arrests.

Nepal PM meets Indian envoy in first diplomatic engagement

Nepal PM meets Indian envoy in first diplomatic engagement

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah held his first one-on-one meeting with Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, signalling a shift towards direct diplomacy after previously preferring group interactions. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties, development partnerships, and mutual interests between India and Nepal.

Let's Not Get Flattered By Sergei Gor's Kashmir Remarks

Let's Not Get Flattered By Sergei Gor's Kashmir Remarks

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

New Delhi must look for formal, institutional statements issued directly from Washington rather than rely on casual pronouncements meant for local audiences, notes Ambassador Rajasekhar.

Cong issues three-day LS, RS whip to its MPs ahead of FCRA Bill debate

Cong issues three-day LS, RS whip to its MPs ahead of FCRA Bill debate

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Congress party has issued a whip to its MPs in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, mandating their presence from August 10-12 for discussions on "very important" issues. This directive comes amidst reports of potential debates on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and a Constitution Amendment Bill concerning delimitation, though the government's official business list did not explicitly mention these.

'India Doesn't Need To Fear Turkish Or Saudi Interventions In A Future India-Pakistan Conflict'

'India Doesn't Need To Fear Turkish Or Saudi Interventions In A Future India-Pakistan Conflict'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'It beggars belief that Saudi Arabia would deploy military force against India, a top partner and market.'

Iran's Supreme Leader to skip father's funeral

Iran's Supreme Leader to skip father's funeral

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will not attend his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's, funeral due to security concerns stemming from Israeli threats. This decision follows a sharp warning from Iran's Foreign Minister to the United States, urging it to control Israel after its Defence Minister reportedly marked Khamenei for death. The incident highlights escalating tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate hostilities in West Asia.

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The ministry of external affairs on Friday dismissed as 'fake news' reports alleging that India had requested Israel to sign a defence pact in response to the newly formed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A parliamentary panel has strongly recommended that the Indian government appoint a dedicated 'polar ambassador' to enhance its strategic engagement and diplomatic influence in the critical Arctic and Antarctic regions, aligning with global trends and India's growing focus on polar affairs.

'Imperative' for India and China to...: Chinese FM in Delhi

'Imperative' for India and China to...: Chinese FM in Delhi

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi, stressing the importance of respecting each other's "core interests" and implementing leaders' consensus for stable bilateral relations. Wang highlighted that India and China should view each other as partners, not rivals, and properly handle sensitive issues like the border dispute to foster cooperation and accelerate the modernisation of the Global South.

Nepal floods trigger high alert in UP; Gandak, Rapti levels rise

Nepal floods trigger high alert in UP; Gandak, Rapti levels rise

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The administration has sounded a high alert in Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts of Uttar Pradesh, while stepping up the monitoring of the Gandak and other water bodies downstream of rivers in Nepal, following devastating flash floods in the neighbouring country that have killed more than 350 people and left thousands missing.

Jaishankar and Portuguese Foreign Minister Discuss West Asia Conflict

Jaishankar and Portuguese Foreign Minister Discuss West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel to discuss the West Asia conflict and explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Trump: US-Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday, Strait of Hormuz 'open to all'

Trump: US-Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday, Strait of Hormuz 'open to all'

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump announced that a deal to end the war with Iran would be signed on Sunday, with the strategic Strait of Hormuz immediately becoming 'open to all'. This follows indications from Pakistan that negotiations were in their final stages, though Iran has yet to comment on the timeline.

Bangladesh PM's visit should take place sooner...: Indian envoy

Bangladesh PM's visit should take place sooner...: Indian envoy

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, highlighted the importance of dialogue in resolving bilateral issues between India and Bangladesh, expressing optimism for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India. His remarks come amidst diplomatic strains over Bangladesh's demand for the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, whose virtual media interaction from New Delhi caused outrage in Dhaka.

Pakistan PM: US-Iran peace deal 'on verge of finalisation' within 24 hours

Pakistan PM: US-Iran peace deal 'on verge of finalisation' within 24 hours

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a US-Iran peace deal is on the verge of finalisation, potentially within the next 24 hours, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough after months of intense negotiations.

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Chief ministers from southern states convened at the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Kovalam, where Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar advocated for the 1971 census as the basis for delimitation and a freeze on Lok Sabha seats, while also addressing the contentious Cauvery water and Mekedatu dam issues.

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Why Japan Is Expanding Defence Ties Beyond India

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Japan is deepening its defence relationship with India while simultaneously expanding its economic, infrastructure and security engagement with countries around India -- particularly Bangladesh. The result is an emerging Japanese conception of South Asia in which India remains the strategic anchor, but the geography surrounding India is becoming increasingly important, points out Varun Arya.

US, Iran to hold talks in Switzerland; Pak, Qatar to attend

US, Iran to hold talks in Switzerland; Pak, Qatar to attend

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The United States and Iran are scheduled to hold their initial round of talks in Switzerland on Friday, following a ceasefire agreement virtually signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Four Indians among 10 killed in Russian attack on ship off Ukraine coast

Four Indians among 10 killed in Russian attack on ship off Ukraine coast

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Four Indian nationals have been killed in an attack on the vessel MV Golden Leo during departure from the port of Odesa in Ukraine on Sunday evening, while one is critically injured.